NORTH Yorkshire hunting groups gathered for their traditional Boxing Day meets yesterday - though foot and mouth restrictions prevented them from hunting.

The county is still classed as an at-risk area, despite hopes by hunt supporters that DEFRA would declare the area disease-free.

Several hundred people turned out in Malton's Market Place to greet the Middleton Hunt which was determined to carry on its annual tradition.

Huntmaster Frank Houghton Brown, who was one of those who turned out in full dress, said he was hopeful restrictions would be relaxed in coming months.

"So many people come to see us off each year we didn't want to disappoint them - it would have been a shame if we had not turned out," he said.

"The restrictions mean we are not allowed to go hunting, but there is nothing saying we cannot meet in the town as we always do.

"People in the town turn out because they support us and it is nice to see such a tradition continue."

The hunt gathered in the Market Place at 11am before riding around the town and entering Old Malton.

"I remain confident that this will not be our last Boxing Day meeting - everyone is hopeful we will be able to meet properly next year," he added.

"Support for a ban is waning because it is such an important part of country life."

But a handful of anti-hunt demonstrators, who peacefully protested amidst crowds of supporters, disagreed.

Annabel Holt, who had constructed a pro-wildlife banner in the square, was hopeful there would be no more Boxing Day meetings.

"I think their arguments about the countryside being destroyed if they are not allowed to hunt have been proven wrong over the last year," she said

Tony Woodward, from Thornton-le-Dale, said he remained doubtful over the future of the anti-hunting Bill.

"It is fortunate this year that they are not allowed to go hunting afterwards," he said.

"It would be wonderful if they turned out each year like this without being able to go out and kill foxes.

"The Government needs to get its act together and unfortunately it is looking increasingly like a Bill will not go ahead."

Updated: 09:09 Thursday, December 27, 2001